win2day ICE Hockey League Sets Course for the Future

At the General Meeting of the win2day ICE Hockey League on August 31 and September 1 in Villach, central questions regarding the strategic direction of the league were at the forefront.

Representatives of the 14 league clubs used the intensive exchange to discuss future development steps and help shape strategic planning together with league representatives.

Focus on International Orientation

A clear common understanding prevailed regarding the international orientation: All 14 league teams unanimously affirmed their desire to continue on the chosen international path in the future.

The cross-border structure represents a central component of the win2day ICE Hockey League's identity and positioning, forming the foundation for further strategic considerations.

Another central topic concerned future roster regulations. To examine this consideration in detail, the establishment of a dedicated working group was decided. This group will include representatives from all four league nations. The focus will be on evaluating various approaches and models.

Falkensteiner Calls for "Clarity, Transparency, and a Recognizable Future"

"The General Meeting has shown that our 14 clubs are united on the essential questions of future direction. We had a very constructive discussion on various strategic topics. With the working group on potential future roster regulations, we are deliberately opting for a structured process in which all four league nations are represented and can contribute their perspectives," says Erich Falkensteiner, Vice President of the win2day ICE Hockey League, welcoming this step.

However, he views the role of the association much more critically: "At the same time, as a league, we are closely observing the developments within the Austrian association and are quite critical, particularly regarding how central sporting and structural issues are handled. Here, we desire more clarity, transparency, and above all, a recognizable future."

Introduction of the "No Return Rule"

During the General Meeting, a new rule was also decided, which aims to promote a more active and offensive game in sudden-death overtime. Starting with the 2026/27 Regular Season, the "No Return Rule" will be applied in the three-on-three overtime.

The rule states that a team in possession of the puck in the attacking zone may not carry, pass, or otherwise play it back into the neutral zone or their own defensive zone.

If a team violates this rule, play will be stopped, and a face-off will be conducted in the defensive zone of the offending team. No player changes are permitted after the stoppage of play.